SVRG volunteers at Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

SVRG volunteers. Front row: Steffen Razor, BootyVicious, Double Easy, Secret Servix; Back row: Weavin' Kohl Bear, Spankin' Firecracker, Bitch Puddin', Lizapalooza, Retox Fox, and Juicy K. Tore (standing). Not pictured: Death by Dollface, Frida Khill*ya, Se7en Year Bitch, or Lip$tick Bandita. Photo by Ana Sofia

SVRG spent Wednesday afternoon helping the YWCA out at the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event in downtown San Jose. The event was designed to raise awareness about the incidence of rape and sexual assault by having male participants literally walk a mile in “her” shoes–that is, donated pairs of high heels.

Double Easy and our noble walker, ref Texas Tea Bag. Photo by Ana Sofia

SVRG was happy to contribute by directing traffic and offering encouragement to our walkers along their route. One of our SVRG referees, Texas Tea Bag, also participated in the walk, donning a nice pair of magenta wedges with bows for the occasion.

Our favorite troopers! These gutsy guys picked some seriously steep stilettos for the trek, but were committed to making it to the end! Photo by Ana Sofia

We were glad to be raising awareness for such an important issue; seeing men totter around perilously in heels was an added bonus. One participant, wincing as he wobbled along, said that the walk served as “an exercise in sympathy on so many levels.”

The team with the men's shoe selection. Photo by Ana Sofia

Afterwards, several of the team were treated to the hospitality of Bitch Puddin’ and Mr. Bitch Puddin’, who provided us with a delicious gumbo meal to fuel us for a night’s practice. All in all, it was a great day, and all the better to know we were putting our womanpower to use for a good cause!

SVRG KillaBytes defeat Valley Fever, 150-94!!

The Silicon Valley Roller Girls’ KillaBytes rocked the Fresno Convention Center with a decisive victory over Fresno’s Valley Fever this Saturday, defeating the home team 150-94.

Referee Irish Gunslinger reported that watching such an exciting bout between two debut teams “gave me goosebumps.” Seeing two brand spankin’ new teams out on the rink was a thrilling experience for all involved. Secret Servix, skating in her first bout, said it was a memorable one because of the support of the skaters and fans–from both SVRG and Valley Fever.

Although roller derby is known for its camaraderie, this doesn’t make the competition any less fierce, and the KillaBytes were in it to win it. Steffen Razor commended the KillaByte jammers’ relentless efforts. She and Bitch Puddin’ (cheering from the sidelines in her sling) recalled watching Double Easy skate into a tough pack and fighting her way through, emerging with a big grin. Zootown Throwdown went head to head with Betty Tattoo, each jammer methodically picking her way through the pack. Simultaneously, each team’s blockers tried to assist their respective jammers, and Aim De Kill flung Zoo to the front of the pack.

On defense, SKooter Ov’r held the 4 and BootyVicious  rocked the pivot position, keeping the Fresno jammers feverishly trying to get around them. Mauly Anna was in awe of March’s Skater of the Month, Steffen Razor, whom she deemed “a force.” Mauly noted that Valley Fever was “wiped out primarily from having to get up after Stef knocked them down….she sat on the opposing jammers and knocked blockers out of the way of our jammers.” The combination of a solid defense and a persistent offense led to SVRG’s victory.

The KillaBytes want to throw out a holla to their fabulous coaches, Pandamonium and Left Turn Only, and to thank the gracious ladies of Valley Fever for a great bout in Fresno!

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND JIM COTTINGHAM

Stay tuned for the KillaBytes next bout on MAY 2. In the meantime, get your tickets now for SVRG’s Dot.Kamikazes’ home bout this Friday, April 11!!